[Hajj 2018] Saudi says more than 1.6m pilgrims arrived in Mecca

Saudi Arabia on Thursday said more than 1.6 million pilgrims from all over the world have arrived Mecca to perform the 2018 Hajj.

The success of receiving foreign pilgrims was as a result of coordination between concerned authorities, Sulaiman Al-Yahya, General Director of Passports, told a news conference aired by Al Khbariya local TV.

Meanwhile, he said more than 233,000 domestic pilgrims have arrived at the holy city of Mecca, expecting more to come.

Yahya also warned of illegal pilgrimage, saying legal actions have been taken against 18 individuals for transporting pilgrims without permits.

Saudi Arabia has taken tough steps to prevent the entry of pilgrims without permits to avoid mishaps because of overcrowded areas in Mecca, especially at ritual performing sites.